Men can have excess estrogen due to two major reasons. One, they have too much aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts your testosterone into estrogen, and is found in fat tissue. This means the more fat you have, the more likely you are to convert your precious testosterone into estrogen. Excess estrogen can also contribute to fat storage particular around the waist; causing a vicious cycle.

Second, men may have excess estrogen due to over exposure to chemical estrogens in the environment, known as xenoestrogens. These literally mimic estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors throughout the endocrine system. These too can decrease testosterone, and also contribute to gynecomastia (man boobs), reduction in sperm counts and male fertility, and promote central obesity (obesity around the waist).

The most important thing to address to solve this problem is to first lose extra fat mass, and then support liver detoxification, as is this the major route of xenoestrogen disposal.

Here’s a few more tips for men to decrease estrogen load:

1.Decrease Body Fat – No need to overcomplicate this. The more fat mass you have, the more aromatase you have, and aromatase will convert your testosterone into estrogen. Decrease fat mass by prioritizing strength training and building lean muscle mass. Hit fully body complex lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench press as they are most effective for building muscle yes, but also increasing testosterone production.

You can block aromatase with adequate levels of selenium, magnesium, zinc, and melatonin (natural production).

2.Limit Exposure to Chemical Estrogens – You will not be able to eliminate them completely. Here is a short list of ‘estrogen mimics’ found in the environment:

Commercially-raised meat and diary products

Anything that contains insecticide or pesticide residues

Unfiltered tap water (via birth control in the system)

Parabens

Phthalates

Artificial food additives (and food colourings)

Foods that contain GMO soy

Dryer sheets, cosmetics, detergents, body washes, hair spray etc.

3.Support Liver Detoxification – Skeptics will tell you this is unnecessary because the liver is designed to do this and thus will have no problem processing these excess estrogens. This is bullshit IMO. Here’s why, yes the liver is an incredible organ that is extremely efficient and effective at detoxifying the body. But the amount of toxins the “modern day” liver has to deal with is absurd, and is a level it has historically never had to deal with.

For one, you must support the process of methylation. In simple terms, this is a major mechanism that influences liver detoxification. Methylation is also involved in:

The production and recycling of glutathione — the body & brain’s master antioxidant

The detoxification of hormones, chemicals and heavy metals

The inflammation response

Genetic expression and the repair of DNA

Neurotransmitters and the balancing of brain chemistry

Energy production

The repair of cells damaged by free radicals

Support methylation by consuming adequate amounts of B vitamins, the above nutrients, aswell as DIM which is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables. When it comes to methylation and detoxification of estrogens, gut health should also be a priority; estrogens ready for elimination can re enter circulation if we have high levels of the enzyme beta glucouronidase in our GI. Consume adequate fibre from whole food options and prioritize pre and probiotic foods, or supplement to support beneficial gut bacteria.

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